A group of gunmen launched an attack on a community gathered for prayers in the northern village of Essakane, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 Catholic worshippers, according to church officials. The attack, labeled as a “terrorist attack” by Abbot Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, vicar-general of the Catholic Diocese of Dori, left 12 attendees dead at the scene, with three others succumbing to their injuries later on. Two individuals were also injured during the violent incident.
No group has claimed responsibility for the shooting yet. Sawadogo called for prayers for the deceased, the injured, and for the perpetrators of such violence, urging for a stop to the destruction and chaos brought upon the country.
The attack took place in a region plagued by armed groups, some of which have targeted Christian churches and clergy. Burkina Faso has been struggling with unrest and violence, with about half of the country outside of government control due to armed conflicts. The military rulers have been working to restore peace since the coups in 2022, but the number of casualties from armed attacks has continued to rise.
The security situation is further complicated by the porous borders with Mali and Niger, both also facing similar security crises under military rule. The instability in the region has displaced millions of people and threatens the overall stability of the nation.